This announcement posted by Joyce Rowland, ACDCA Genetics Committee chair on  May 13, 2002:

OPTIGEN WILL TEST PRA-AFFECTED DOGS AT NO COST TO YOU

It is EXTREMELY important to test as many PRA-affected dogs in each breed as possible. To promote this, OptiGen will test, at no charge, affected dogs
from each of the 16 breeds with a known genetic form of PRA. (link to
 "Tests")

Why is this so important? Because, a genetic test is developed to detect
SPECIFIC markers, alleles and/or mutations that are KNOWN TO EXIST in the
breed. If a second or a rare variety hasn't been discovered yet, we can't
test for it.

Here are two examples. Miniature Schnauzers and Miniature/Toy Poodles appear to have at least two genetic types of PRA. Only one type (Type A in MS and prcd-PRA in M/TP) is detectable now. We need to find PRA affected dogs that do NOT test affected with the current test in order to research and discover the other forms of PRA.

The other example was seen with Portuguese Water Dogs. Only after testing
over 1600 PWDs did a new allele that causes prcd-PRA come to light. When a
PRA-affected dog did not test "Pattern C", extensive research was done by
the Baker Institute and OptiGen to define the marker allele associated with
PRA in this dog. The result - discovery of a rare, second marker allele for
prcd-PRA in PWDs AND improvement of the test.

Who qualifies?
The dog's sample was not submitted previously either to the Baker Institute
(Drs. Acland and Aguirre) or to OptiGen. The dog must have a clinical
diagnosis for PRA by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist (ACVO,
ECVO). The diagnosis must be compatible with the form of PRA present in the breed. Status of "PRA-suspicious" or "atypical PRA" or "multi-focal
degeneration" does not qualify.

Here's what you do!
Provide a copy of the eye exam report (CERF report or other).
Provide a copy of a 4-5 generation pedigree.
Provide a blood sample according to standard instructions (Ship Sample).
Complete all details of the standard Request Test form.
Send NO payment.
Send the sample and all paperwork to OptiGen.
(PRACD test for ACDs www.optigen.com)


_______________________________
Jeanette S. Felix, Ph.D.
President and Manager
OptiGen, LLC
Cornell Business & Technology Park
767 Warren Road, Suite 300
Ithaca, NY 14850

phone: 607-257-0301
fax: 607-257-0353
email: genetest@optigen.com
www.optigen.com